The Exchange District has long been a beacon of creativity and a hub for local, independent businesses. These small businesses breathe life into the community, shaping the character and culture of the neighbourhood. Shopping in the Exchange offers the chance to hunt for treasure, explore interesting artifacts, and find one-of-a-kind gifts.
As the holiday season approaches, shopping locally becomes more important than ever. Every purchase supports hardworking entrepreneurs who are also neighbours, family members, and friends. This support is vital to sustaining the creative energy and diversity that makes the Exchange so unique.
The Exchange District is home to many long-standing, iconic businesses that have helped shape the neighbourhood as we know it today. In celebration of the spirit of entrepreneurship and shopping local, we’ve rounded them up here. They’re a great place to start if you want to add local flair to your holiday wishlist!
Into the Music
Into the Music has held the title of Winnipeg’s largest record store since it first opened in 1987. They boast a vast selection of new and used vinyl, alongside thousands of CDs and DVDs. The store caters to every taste — from indie pop to punk, prog, psych rarities, punk, metal classics, and everything in between. They’re best known for keeping Vinyl LPs and 45s alive in Winnipeg and for their massive selection. Into the Music is a browser’s paradise, a meeting place, and an essential part of the music community.
Whether you keep your records in a milk crate or handmade shelving unit, you’ve likely got a bit of Into the Music in your home and on your record player. For 30 years, owner Greg Tonn has brought vintage records, CDs, and more to Winnipeg collectors – first on Corydon Avenue for three years, then in Osborne Village for 13 years, eventually finding a permanent home at 245 McDermot Avenue in the Exchange District in 2003.
“Operating as an independent, we see our role very differently, and we provide a different service,” Owner Greg Tonn says. “Over the years has come a great knowledge of what our customers want and what they don’t want. You curate the store, it sort of evolves, and we see what flies out the door. The customer shows you what the price should be.”
Let their friendly, knowledgeable staff guide you through their eclectic inventory to find the next perfect piece for your collection or a gift for a music lover in your life.
B-245 McDermot Avenue
@into.the.music.winnipeg
https://intothemusic.ca/
U.N. Luggage
Since 1940, U.N. Luggage has been a go-to destination for premium travel gear in Winnipeg and beyond. They make preparing for any journey effortless with a wide selection of high-quality luggage, travel bags, and accessories from renowned brands like Briggs & Riley, Patagonia, and Pacsafe. Their commitment to customer service extends beyond their storefront, with an easy-to-navigate online store that ships across Canada. U.N. Luggage is a must-see if you’re planning a getaway or looking for a thoughtful gift for your favourite adventurer.
As a long-standing business in the Exchange District, they are privileged to share history and rewarding interactions with customers in the community. Reflecting on their time in the neighbourhood, Jennifer Goreski shares, “Being in the Exchange is great because we’ve been able to be a part of the evolution of what we consider to be Winnipeg’s best neighbourhood, which means we’re surrounded by really great neighbours, both business and residents which in our line of retail is a great mix.”
Running a small business for over 80 years is no small feat! Jennifer shares, “You have to be patient, but you also have to hustle. You need to have your own internal drive and trust yourself, but you also need to be able to bounce ideas off others and be open to ideas that aren’t your own.” Networking and joining a local business group, like the Winnipeg Executive Association, is one way that U.N. Luggage stays connected to the business community.
As a legacy in the local business scene, the U.N. Luggage team has long been an advocate for supporting local. Jennuder shares, “Local business is the cornerstone of any successful community. It gives back more to the neighbourhood in every way. Through direct dollars, donations, volunteerism, and even enthusiasm, which we can never have enough of.”
Check out U.N. Luggage for stylish and functional travel essentials and more.
175 McDermot Ave
@unluggage
https://unluggage.com/
Tara Davis Studio Boutique
Tara Davis Studio Boutique has brought whimsy and lightness to McDermot Ave since 2012. If you’ve walked through the Exchange, you may recognize the bright pink heart or the cheery and colourful window displays. The shop’s exterior is fitting for the aptly self-described ‘happy shop full of fun things by (mostly Canadian) dreamers and makers.’ Inside, you’ll find a rotating selection of jewellery, cards, ceramics, socks, candy, pillows, candles, baby items, puzzles, soap, and many more unique pieces. Tara Davis is part studio, part boutique, part gallery, and wholly original. It operates with the philosophy that art and quality handmade goods should be accessible and that community is essential.
Giving back to the community is at the heart of this business, with donations and partnerships supporting organizations like Artbeat Studio, Arts JunKtion, and Main Street Project, among others. As a graduate of the Artbeat Studio artist residency program, Tara finds great joy in giving back to the community that has always supported her.
And the community shows its support in return. Reflecting on last year’s holiday season, Tara shared, “There’s a huge segment of the population, specifically in Winnipeg, that wanna shop local. I see it year after year.” Holiday shoppers will delight in the boutique’s curated selection of handmade treasures, each carefully chosen. She believes handmade is best, sharing, “There is a story woven into every fibre, care sewn in every stitch, satisfaction in every brushstroke, joy in every print. Makers love making, and I believe their energy carries through to the product.”
Visit Tara Davis Studio Boutique to find your next one-of-a-kind prize.
246 McDermot Ave
@taradavisstudioboutique
https://www.taradavis.ca/
Toad Hall Toys
Toad Hall Toys has brought whimsy and joy to the Exchange District since 1977. Family-owned and operated, this independent toy store is known for its unique selection of toys, books, games, miniatures, and hobby supplies sourced from over 50 countries. Toad Hall Toys is proud to offer an exceptional selection, old-world charm, and friendly and knowledgeable staff. They’re dedicated to providing quality products that engage and inspire, with an emphasis on timeless fun rather than fleeting trends.
As Manitoba’s oldest and largest independent toy retailer, they’ve created quite a legacy, and 45 years later, Toad Hall Toys is still making people smile. Owner and manager Kari Englang believes a big reason for their longevity and success is that they are consistent and never try to be something they are not.
As Kari puts it, “Whether you have children in your life or are, like me, a child at heart, you can’t help but find something here that will make you happy.” Spend some time at Toad Hall Toys this holiday season and give the gift of joy.
54 Arthur Street
@toadhalltoys
https://toadhalltoys.ca/